The Community Relations Council of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island on Thursday announced its endorsement of a bill pending in the General Assembly that would allow gay and lesbian couples to marry.

Director Marty Cooper says the group’s support is grounded in the biblical idea that all humans were created in the image of God and are worthy of respect.

The group joins the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island, the Episcopal bishop and the Rhode Island State Council of Churches in supporting the legislation.

The Roman Catholic church stands opposed the bill, which has passed the House but has not yet been scheduled for a vote in the Senate.